**Amazon Faces Investigation for Alleged Tax Evasion in Italy**
Amazon is currently under intense investigation in Italy over allegations of tax evasion and customs fraud, with reports describing the situation as a “Trojan horse” scheme. This involves the e-commerce giant allegedly importing Chinese goods into Italy without paying the necessary taxes and duties, as reported by Reuters, citing multiple sources.
On November 24, Italian police conducted raids at two Amazon facilities as part of their expanding inquiry. The targeted locations included a logistics hub in Cividate al Piano, located in the Bergamo province, and Amazon’s Italian headquarters in Milan. Officers from the Guardia di Finanza and the customs agency were involved in the operation, which also identified a manager responsible for the movement of goods within Italy.
During the raids, approximately 5,000 products were confiscated from the logistics hub, including air fryers, mobile phone covers, pens, small scissors, and toys. Additionally, IT equipment was seized from the headquarters. While Amazon has refrained from commenting on specific inquiries, the company stated its commitment to adhering to all applicable tax laws and cooperating fully with relevant authorities.
The term “Trojan horse” refers to accusations that Amazon has been facilitating the importation of Chinese goods into Italy without paying sales taxes or customs duties, resulting in significant losses for the Italian government, estimated in the hundreds of millions of euros. Given the gravity of these allegations, other European Union countries may soon initiate their own investigations.
This case is part of a broader inquiry linked to a suspected €1.2 billion tax evasion scheme. Prosecutors in Milan, in collaboration with the Monza branch of the Guardia di Finanza, suspect that goods are being smuggled from China into Europe and subsequently funneled into Italy through undisclosed channels for distribution via Amazon’s marketplace, which violates EU customs laws. Sources indicate that the number of products involved could reach up to half a million, with numerous Italian companies, many believed to be fronts for Chinese entities, implicated in the operation.
The impact of these raids on Amazon’s operations in Italy remains uncertain. However, the investigation may extend beyond Italy, as Milan prosecutors have already presented their findings to counterparts from several EU nations, including Germany, France, and Spain, among others.
As tensions over customs duties and sales taxes have escalated between the United States and the EU, the outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for Amazon and its business practices in Europe.
**FAQ**
**What are the allegations against Amazon in Italy?**
Amazon is accused of tax evasion and customs fraud by allegedly importing Chinese goods into Italy without paying the required taxes and duties, leading to significant financial losses for the Italian government.
